Thursday, 17 August 2017

So many good books have come off the press here at Veloce of late, that it can be hard to keep track of all that goes on around a publication. Luckily for us, author Oliver Winterbottom has been keeping a diary account of what he's up to in helping to promote his autobiography A Life in Car Design. Here, we have compiled the end of April's and the entirety of May's diary entries for your reading pleasure. We'll share more of Oliver's diaries over the coming weeks...

26 April – British Motor Museum, Gaydon say they have been notified of delivery.

Mike Kimberley emailed re delivery and arranged a purchase.

29 April – Tom Smith in Texas, USA receives his book air mail, ready for Lotus X100 exhibition and book promotion.

30 April – Donington Park Historic Festival.

Angus Marshall bought 40 books from Darlington to Donington which have been delivered on 28th. I signed most of them, many with messages for LotusExel.net member. Sara had five and I had three copies at right royal price pf £24.00, thanks to club discount. It was good to meet everyone who came along to Donington.

"Yesterday was a great day with Ollie Winterbottom signing his book (thanks for organising this Angus) and chatting with us. What an interesting guy – I've started to read his book and it is fascinating. The illustrations include many of his original drawings. I'd rate this as (so far) the best auto industry autobiography I've seen and it's well worth buying a copy for all of the historic information along." ATB Richard (Comment on lotus excel.net)

3 May – MJK calls to say very much enjoyed the book. Thought the last chapter a bit brief/ Amazed at the detail earlier in the story.

4 May – Andy Parsloe, school friend gets in touch after many year – buying the book.

6-7 May – Lotus X100 displayed at Keel and Wheel in Texas with some book publicity.

6 May – "Hi Oliver, Good to hear from you. I have spoken with your publisher and we will be starting to take pre-orders for your Big Bad Wedge Fest book signing within the next couple of weeks. It will hopefully add to both your book sales and the success of the event. Exciting times! Best regards, Howard." (TVR Wedgefest)

7 May – "Good day Oliver – I'd like to arrange for my copy to be suitably inscribed with one of those elegant yet pithy epigrams for which you are so well known. Can I arrange for it to be shipped to you, then on to a family member in York for eventual retrieval? Best regards, Clive" (Roberts, ex Lotus and China). Replied positive.

9 May – Steve from Barnham Broom had not had notification after requesting it in March.

"Hi Liz, Do you think there are other enquiries that have got 'lost'? There are other people that I would have expected to have got a copy of the book by now – but no one has been in contact to say so! If the system has failed us, I could circulate my contact list suggesting they apply for a book again. Rather not do that, but will if you say so. Best, Oliver"

"Hi Oliver, I've just heard back from our web hosts. Apparently there was a problem with the server connecting properly. They have now fixed the issue but you are right – no-one from the last few months will have had any in-stock notifications for any of our books – so thank you for bringing this to our attention! We are able to get a list manually – so today I will have a look at the list and contact everybody that was missed to make sure they are aware the book has com in. For your book there was about 12 requests so I will be contacting them shortly. Sorry about all this! Best wishes, Liz.

11 May – "Hi Oliver, Hope all is well – I've just received my review copy from Veloce – looks very good at a first glance and I'm looking forward to reading through it. A copy of our latest issue of Club Lotus News with my review is in the post to you by the way. Speak soon – do stay in touch, Kind regards, Alan" (Club Lotus)

12 May – "Hi Oliver, Amazon have just delivered your book – I'm looking forward to a good weekend's read! I've delivered the TVR book to Crowood, and hopefully it'll be out before Christmas. Regards, Matthew Vale" (Author forthcoming TVR book)

15 May – Steve Cropley, editor Autocar claims not to have received the book. Liz at Veloce says Royal Mail have delivered it. Leave them to it!

Agree to do BBC Radio Norfolk interview & discs Tuesday 23 May 6:00-7:00pm.

16 May – Club Lotus France invite me to their club HQ at Dijon Prenois race circuit Saturday 10 June. I will sign books if they have any (suggest direct from Veloce). I will be visiting France for 1 well including Dijon historic races.

Seems that LotusExcel.net club have 'sold out' of the book 13 May. "Angus, Can you still get signed copies? I know I am very late on this. I would like to buy 2 please. Justin"

"Sorry, there's only one left and I'd need at least 20 ordered to get the discounted price again. (and another event that both Ollie & I will be at to get them signed)

22 May – EDP reporter and photographer visit at home. Reporter doesn't seem to have read the book! Says will send report end of the week.

23 May – BBC Radio Norfolk Matthew Gudgin went very well. Good interviewer. Bell Pub said it was a good show!

24 May – Mr. Nelson next door heard radio and will get book. Phil Hopf in USA says book now available. Sally Pepper says radio good. Classic & Sports Car magazine out with TVR at Eleven and book mention.

25 May – Breakfast at Alvedon and show magazine to some of the staff who know of the original photo shoot last year. (I had already written to thank Lord Iveagh).

27 May – Letter forwarded from Veloce replied to. From an ex-Jaguar apprentice in Lancashire who enjoyed the book.

You can purchase your own copy of A Life in Car Designhere, and make sure to keep checking the Veloce blog for the next instalment of Winterbottom's diary.

Thursday, 10 August 2017

The twenty-sixth Trident and Rocket 3 Owners Club (TROC) annual rally – Beezumph – took place over July 14-15th, at Anglesey Race Circuit. We take a quick look at this year's event, with the help of Veloce author Chris Rooke.

The Beezumph will be more than familiar to any BSA Rocket or Triumph Trident owners out there, and, chances are, many other marque owners, too. The idea initially came from two TROC members, Chris Judkins and Richard Darby, who suggested renting a track for a day, for club members to ride their own bikes.

Superb MkII BSA Rocket III,
with revised styling.

The original 'British bikes only' idea was expanded, encompassing the newly-launched Hinckley Triumphs, Honorary Members of TROC, and other bike clubs were invited to join in, too. The very first Beezumph was born, and – despite a heavy soaking from the rain – all agreed it was a great success.

That was twenty-six years ago, and the event has changed much over that time, growing from a one-day event, to a two-day rally, with camping from Thursday until Sunday … live music, BBQs, autojumble, food (of course!) … it's now recognised as one of the best (if not THE best) track-based events in the UK.

Beautiful MkI BSA Rocket III.

Friday gave participants the chance to noise-test their bikes, with the option of a 'No Limit' track day, or an organised ride around Anglesey's roads. This was followed by an evening of autojumble, and a short presentation, was rounded off with some local music.

Saturday meant an early start for those sessions on track, with the spectacular action taking place after the compulsory safety briefings and checks were complete. This was followed by a paddock display of some superb Triples, with the best in each class receiving trophies for their efforts (plenty of photo ops here), followed by a raffle draw of prizes donated by sponsors.

A lovely example of a 'Nocket:'
a Rocket III engine in a Norton Featherbed
frame. Nice!

For the non-riders in attendance, there was an all-day merchandising stand, a static Triples display, and exhibitions by the London Motorcycle Museum, Racing Triple, and George Pooley. George is famous for his hand-built specials (and for having a cup of tea almost permanently attached to his hand). Also in attendance was a certain Guy Martin, who needs no introduction, and who delighted everyone by taking his bike out on track.

For the second year running, Guy Martin visited. Inset, is his homemade Suzuki-based racer.

Saturday evening was party time, with a bar, a band, and a barbecue: what more could you want? Of course, it was early doors for some participants, as Sunday again had a No Limit track day … while those who had enjoyed, shall we say, a more 'fully-immersive' party experience, could quietly pack up.

A highly original race bike, brought to the event by the
National Motorcycle Museum.

Veloce author Chris Rooke attended, and could be spotted riding the circuit on his T150V and T160 (not at the same time, you understand), and taking along a few copies of his Triumph Trident/BSA Rocket manual (and a cheeky flyer for his book). He was also busy with his camera, and was kind enough to let us use some of his shots … thanks, Chris.

BSA Rocket IIIs at the parade.

Triumph Trident T160s line-up …

… and T150s on show.

Replica of Slippery Sam, the bike that won the Isle of Man TT five years in a row, in the early 1970s.

Why not hop on-board and take a virtual ride around the Anglesey track with him, via the wonderful world of Facebook videos. Chris manages the Triumph Trident Restoration Manual Updates Facebook page, and posted his rider's-eye views there … full screen, sound up, enjoy! As you'll see, the weather didn't always play ball, but it didn't dampen the fun.

So, big thanks to Chris once again, and we look forward to the twenty-seventh Beezumph, next year … we might see you there!

You can pick up a copy of Chris' Triumph/BSA triple restoration manual from Veloce Publishing … click the pic …

Tuesday, 1 August 2017

Set amongst the patchwork fields of Wiltshire, Gurston Down Speed Hillclimb hosted the Hillclimb Formula Ford Fest, over the weekend of 22-23 July. In true British style, the battle was close-fought, the weather was changeable, and the conditions were challenging!

Now in it's second year, this competition for pre-1994 'Kent' engined Formula Ford cars takes place at one of our best known, best loved, hillclimb venues. Twenty-four drivers from all over the country took part this year, and the event looks set to grow and grow … it's already talked about as a 'must-do' fixture on the FF hillclimb schedule.

#123 Simon McBeath. (Courtesy Steve Lister)

This year is the 50th anniversary of Gurston Down Speed Hillclimb, and of Formula Ford itself, and with Simon McBeath and Ed McDonough, two Veloce authors, piloting their way to the finish, plus event sponsorship from ourselves, what better way to celebrate, and enjoy the sights and sounds of open-wheeled racecars sprinting up the hill?

Formula Ford came about in 1967, and has changed numerous times since, but the 1600cc Kent engine variant has endured. Adopted shortly after the formula was instigated, it persists today, in local, regional, and national championships worldwide. If you're clued-up on your engines, and are *ahem* of a certain age, you may know the Kent from the Ford Anglia of '59. This used a pre-crossflow engine, but the later crossflow version, as used in the Cortina GT, was, and is, the basis for the FF race cars.

#119 Andrew Henson.(Courtesy Steve Lister)

All the cars use Hewland race gearboxes, and Avon treaded race tyres, designed specifically for FF use around the world. Formula Ford has also been the first step on the ladder of greatness for many famous racing drivers and F1 champs … Senna, Mansell, Hunt, Button … the list reads like a Who's Who of World Champions.

Unsettled weather across the two days, meant track conditions were different for every run, with three different leaders across Saturday's four practice runs. Paul O'Neil, former BTCC winner, and ITV4 BTCC commentator, led the field on the fourth practice, sharing Mark Alley's Swift FB91.

On Sunday, twenty-four drivers started the competition, with Simon leading by a small margin each time up. Staying just ahead of former record-holder Andrew Henson, in his Van Diemen RF91, Simon eventually took victory by just 0.34s. A well-deserved third went to Nev Rollason, who was just 0.21s behind, in a Jamun M90. Despite his performance in practice, O'Neil ultimately finished eighth, 0.59s behind Alley, while Ed McDonough, despite running in faster conditions, only managed 20th, in his Dulon MP15, after recording a Fail on his second attempt.

This year, as with last year, Simon donated his prize to the Marshal of the Year. Chosen by his or her peers, at the end of the season, the lucky winner will be presented with the prize at November's annual awards day.

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

The 24hrs of Le Mans – arguably the biggest motorsport event of the year – has now been and gone, and proved to be an exceptional event. A new qualifying lap record, two LMP2s on the podium, and a record win for Porsche, to name just a few notable events, saw the 85th edition of the 24 Hours marking itself as one that will be talked about for some time to come.

The Automobile Club de l-Ouest recently posted a summary of this year's event, taking a unique look at Le Mans through 24 numbers … so we thought we'd pay tribute to Le Mans and the ACO with this infographic – they're all the rage, don't you know! So, here's the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans in 24 numbers.

Friday, 7 July 2017

This month sees the debut of Audi's all-new A8 range, the first in the Brand's history to feature electrified drivetrains as standard. Featuring a 48-volt primary electrical system, these new A8s promise a new level of refinement, performance, and – of course – economy.

The new volts wagen from Audi – The all-new Audi A8 range will be the first in the brand’s history to feature an electrified drivetrain as standard. Its combustion engines will be equipped with mild hybrid technology based around a 48-volt electrical system which features as the primary electrical system for the first time.

The A8's hybrid drive comprises two main components: a watercooled, 48-volt belt alternator starter (BAS), and a lithium-ion battery that acts as an accumulator. The BAS complements a conventional pinion starter, which is used only for cold starts, while the lithium-ion battery (stowed in the luggage compartment) has a 10Ah charge carrier capacity.

BAS's advantage becomes clear when approaching roundabouts or red traffic signals. If the traffic signal turns green during braking, while the vehicle is coasting to a stop or if a gap appears for the driver to move into, and the driver releases the brake, the combustion engine is started immediately. There's no delay in acceleration, thanks to the belt alternator starter, which is permanently connected to the combustion engine.

The fourth-generation A8s feature a new noiseless coasting mode, available between 34mph and 99mph, which switches off the engine altogether, for up to 40 seconds, giving zero-emissions. The moment the driver steps on the throttle, the BAS swiftly and smoothly restarts the engine.

The new A8's stop/start function has been improved, too. It's now active from 14mph, and it can even distinguish between different traffic situations. If the road is clear, the BAS starts the engine promptly, so you can drive off swiftly. After a long standstill, or if the drive wants to turn up the aircon, the engine start up switches to extra smooth and silent mode. It even has predictive starting: if the vehicle in front of you moves off, the engine starts even if the brake is applied.

Of course, one of the big factors in hybrid tech, is the recuperation or regeneration of energy, and the A8 comes with some sophisticated management just for this. On-board computers process route data, front-facing camera views, and various sensor data, and calculates the best time to coast or recuperate (the system can even recuperate energy if you get too close to the vehicle in front). The upshot, is that fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The new Audi A8 debuts on 11th July, at the first Audi Summit, in Barcelona, Spain.

Thursday, 6 July 2017

We love cars – you know that. We also love animals. Sometimes, the two go very well together … sometimes, not …
Hubble & Hattie, our imprint specialising in all things animal, has highlighted some important points about leaving pets in cars in hot weather, over on it's blog. Seeing as we're all about all things automotive, we thought we share some of its wise words with you here …

Not just dogs! This cockatiel nearly came
to an untimely end, left unattended and
without cooling in a local car park
(it was fine in the end).

Days out just aren't the same without our furry friends in-tow. When it's REALLY hot, it's best to leave your pet indoors, where it's shaded and cool (Hubble & Hattie have another brilliant post on just this, here). But, if you do have to take them with you, never EVER leave your pet in a warm vehicle.Many people believe that leaving a pet in a car on a warm day, is fine, as long as the windows are open, and it's parked in the shade.

Don't be fooled: it's a highly dangerous situation for dogs and other small animals, even when 'normal' temperatures are resumed.

Automotive glass acts like greenhouse glass, trapping heat, and with an external temperature of 22ºC, the heat inside a car can rise to 47ºC within the hour.

On hot days, opening the windows simply won't make enough of a difference in a static vehicle. Dogs pant to cooldown, but heat and humidity make this less effective, and eventually, when the mercury gets to 40ºC, panting stops working. By then, it's likely to be too late.

According to DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs), distress and suffering occurs for pets when temperatures go above 25ºC for more than a few minutes.

Just 10 minutes …

Wind down the window a crack, and pop into the shop for a few moments and Fido will be fine, no? No. Ten minutes is long enough to cause soft tissue and brain damage in dogs.

Just 10 minutes.

Here in Dorset, temperatures recently peaked around 30ºC. Think about that for a moment. In those temperatures, less than ten minutes in a hot car could be enough to cause permanent brain damage, and eventual death.

And it's not just cars: caravans, campers, and mobile homes can reach unbearable temperatures inside on hot days.

Here's Sergeant Harry Tangye, from Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, with some advice for the hotter days …

He looks okay … his tail is wagging!

Heatstroke in dogs is very serious, but there are early warning signs to look for. Heavy panting, barking, whining, and excessive salivation are the first signs. Of course, some dogs bark and whine more than others, but seasoned dog owners can usually spot the signs of distress, even in an unfamiliar dog, and even if a dog appears 'happy' to see you.

In hotter temperatures, these symptoms may only last a few minutes: glassy eyes, and unresponsiveness soon follow. By this time, cells have started to die, and seizures, coma, and death are likely to follow. There is no time to waste.

I'll break the window …

So, what if you do find a dog trapped in a hot car, and it's clearly distressed? Do you smash a window? Break in?

In the UK, only a Local Authority inspector or a Police Constable have the legal power to enter a premises (including vehicles) for the purpose of assisting an animal that is, or is likely to be, suffering.

Any member of the public who breaks into a vehicle, or attempts to, to assist an animal, would be subject to an investigation for the offence of Criminal Damage. It's possible that such an action could be classed as 'reasonable,' depending on the condition of the animal. UK law states that you have a 'lawful excuse to commit damage if you believe that the owner of the property that you damage would consent to the damage if they knew the circumstances.'

But, if Fido is fine, and you cause damage, you'd best get a lawyer!

Who ya gonna call?

The RSPCA seems like the first organisation to contact – BUT, it may not be able to attend quickly enough to help. Just as importantly, the RSPCA do not have powers of entry. Don't ask them to break in: they would be committing an offence, just like you or I.

If you're in a public carpark, such as a supermarket or store, ask the Manager to make a call over the store tannoy, requesting the owner immediately attends to remove or check on the dog.

If the dog is already showing signs of distress, dial 999 and report it to the local police.

Calmly give them as much information as you can: where you are, how long you've been aware of the pet in the car, whether the animal is responsive, showing signs of stress etc, and the car details, along with any efforts you may have already made to contact the owner, or otherwise help.

Once you've alerted the Police, call the RSPCA. Tell them that you've already called the Police, and give them the same info. Let them know what the Police are planning to do, or when they're likely to arrive at the scene.

They won't get here in time!

Sometimes the Police just won't be able to get to you in time to help the animal directly. If you think that it will be too late to save the animal by the time the Police arrive, and there is no other option left, ensure you do the following:

Tell the Police of your intentions

Take photos or a note of the car and licence plate

Take photos or videos of the dog

Take names and numbers of any witnesses

Even if you, personally, aren't taking direct action, it's worth doing this should you find yourself in such a situation, and remember …

BE HYPER-CAUTIOUS and HYPER-VIGILANT: DISTRESSED DOGS CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE AND AGGRESSIVE

Try to ensure that a crowd doesn't gather around the car, if possible, and that voices – and tempers – are kept low and calm.

If the owner returns, and they become agitated, try to stay calm: being argumentative only results in more stress for everyone … including the dog. Tell them that you were concerned for the animal, and engage them: be as civil as you can, and wait for the Police to arrive.

If an animal has been removed from a vehicle, move it to a shaded area. Give it some water if you're able. Soaking a chamois or t-shirt in water, and rubbing this over them can help to cool them, as can fanning them, or spraying water over their coat.DO NOT GIVE ICE CUBES IN THIS SITUATION; this can cool them too quickly, leading to complications.

This (ever so slightly) tongue-in-cheek video from PETA offers some sound advice …

There is no law prohibiting the leaving of an animal in a hot vehicle, but there is a law against animal cruelty. In the UK, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, if an animal becomes ill or dies from being left in a hot car, the person responsible could face six months in custody, and a fine of up to £20,000.

Wondering what it would feel like to be stuck in a hot car on a hot day … why don't you try it? Park-up, and leave the car with the windows open a crack, and see how long you last. Don't forget, you can sweat to cool down – your dog can't, so he'll be feeling it 10 times worse than you. Just look how NFL Arizona Cardinals' player Tyrann Mathieu got on, when he tried to sit-out the heat for PETA …

We hope you never need the above advice, but, should you come across an animal in distress in a vehicle, you know what to do.

Thursday, 15 June 2017

Anybody who knows author and 'Drive Guide Guru,' Julian Parish, knows he's a busy man. Whilst Julian has been spending many hours undertaking extensive research for some great forthcoming books, he's still managing to make time for a spot of commentating …Last week, was no exception, as Julian attended the 26th Circuit Historique de Laon. Taking place over three days, this year saw around 750 cars of all ages and eras tour the city, taking in the sights, and entertaining the crowds.

Fine weather – and fine cars – saw the start of proceedings on Saturday, with a rally around Laon, taking in a stop at Gueux and finishing at Parc Foch with a concours d'élégance and a glass of champagne. Sunday saw the highlight of the weekend, the closed street run. Over 6kms of street were closed to traffic for the run, which incorporated a hill climb (complete with hairpin bends), giving spectators plenty of opportunity to see some fine cars in action. The event was rounded-off with a final Monday morning drive up to Lens, and then home to England for the many British participants.

Here's a few pics of Julian in action, commentating, and giving away copies of the France guide to competition winners … and the senator-mayor of Laon, Antoine Lefèvre resplendent in Lederhosen! A big 'thank you' to Drive Guide's Dutch friend, Annemieke Dekkers, for taking the photos.

The Essential Guides Twin Pack

In case you missed it, we have a fantastic Twin Pack offer for Julian's Essential Guides. For the price of the France guide alone, the Twin Pack offers both the France and Europe guides in one package. That's a saving of £10.99 … checkout the Twin Pack over at Drive Guide's website …

Get France: The Essential Guide for Car Enthusiasts AND The Essential Guide to Driving in Europe for just £14.99!